How to Convert NinjaTrader Indicators for MetaTrader

If you're switching from NinjaTrader to MetaTrader, or using both platforms, you've probably wondered how to move your indicators between them.

The platforms don't talk to each other directly. You can't just export from NinjaTrader and import into MetaTrader. They use completely different programming languages and structures.

But converting indicators is possible. It just requires translating the code from one language to another.

Here's what you need to know about converting NinjaTrader indicators to MetaTrader.

Why Direct Connection Isn't Possible

NinjaTrader and MetaTrader are separate ecosystems.

NinjaTrader uses C# and the NinjaScript framework for indicators and strategies. MetaTrader 4 uses MQL4, and MetaTrader 5 uses MQL5. These are completely different programming languages.

There's no built-in bridge or integration between the platforms. You can't connect NinjaTrader to MT4 or MT5 to share indicators, strategies, or data automatically.

Each platform was designed to be self-contained. NinjaTrader is popular among futures traders in the U.S. MetaTrader dominates the forex market globally. They serve different audiences with different needs.

If you want the same indicator on both platforms, you need to recreate it in the target platform's language.

The Conversion Process Explained

Converting a NinjaTrader indicator to MetaTrader involves rewriting the code.

You're not just changing a few syntax elements. You're translating the entire logic from C# (NinjaScript) to MQL4 or MQL5.

Here's what the process looks like:

• Analyse the NinjaScript code. Understand what the indicator does, what calculations it performs, what data it uses, and what it plots on the chart.
• Identify equivalent functions in MQL. For every function or method used in NinjaScript, find the MQL equivalent. Some functions translate directly. Others need workarounds.
• Rewrite the logic in MQL. Code the indicator from scratch in MQL4 or MQL5, implementing the same calculations and plot behaviour.
• Test and compare. Run both indicators on similar data and verify they produce the same results. Adjust for any differences.
• Optimise for MetaTrader. MQL has different performance characteristics than C#. The code might need optimisation to run efficiently.

This isn't a quick copy-paste job. Even simple indicators require careful translation to work correctly.

Key Differences Between NinjaScript and MQL

Understanding the differences between these languages helps explain why conversion isn't straightforward.

• Data handling. NinjaScript accesses bar data through arrays and indexing. MQL uses different array structures and indexing conventions (current bar is 0, previous bar is 1, etc.).
• Event model. NinjaScript uses events like OnBarUpdate. MQL uses functions like OnCalculate or OnTick. The trigger points and execution flow differ.
• Object orientation. NinjaScript is fully object-oriented C#. MQL4 is procedural (though MQL5 added object-oriented features). The code structure looks different.
• Built-in functions. Each platform has its own library of built-in functions. A simple moving average calculation uses different function names and parameters.
• Multi-timeframe handling. Accessing data from different timeframes works differently in each platform. Code that references multiple timeframes needs significant adaptation.
• Plot syntax. How you draw lines, histograms, and arrows on charts uses completely different syntax and approach.

These differences mean you can't just translate word-for-word. You need to understand the concept and implement it fresh in the target language.

Can You Convert NinjaTrader Indicators to MetaTrader for Free?

Free conversion is possible, but it depends on the indicator and your skills.

• If you have programming knowledge, you can convert indicators yourself at no cost. You'll need to learn both NinjaScript and MQL, which takes time but costs nothing except your effort.
• If you're using Rize Capital products, they offer a free conversion service for any indicators, strategies, or drawing tools purchased from their source codes collection. Buy a NinjaTrader indicator from them, and they'll convert it to MetaTrader at no extra charge.
• For other indicators, you typically need to pay a developer. Conversion services charge anywhere from $50 to $500+, depending on complexity.
• Community forums sometimes have developers who convert indicators for free or low cost as a community service, but quality and reliability vary.

The most reliable free option is doing it yourself if you have or can learn the necessary programming skills.

DIY Conversion: Learning MQL

If you want to convert indicators yourself, you need to learn MQL.

Start with the MetaTrader platform documentation. MetaQuotes (the company behind MetaTrader) provides comprehensive documentation for both MQL4 and MQL5.

• For MT4: Learn MQL4. It's older and simpler but still widely used, especially in forex trading.
• For MT5: Learn MQL5. It's more modern, faster, and supports more advanced features. But it's also more complex.

Here's a basic learning path:

• Understand MQL structure. Learn how indicators are structured, how they initialise, how they calculate on each bar, and how they plot results.
• Study existing indicators. Look at the built-in MetaTrader indicators and community-created open-source indicators. See how others solve common problems.
• Start with simple conversions. Don't try converting a complex multi-timeframe indicator first. Begin with a basic moving average variation or simple oscillator.
• Use the MetaEditor. MetaTrader's built-in editor helps with syntax highlighting, error checking, and compilation.
• Test thoroughly. Compare your converted indicator against the original NinjaTrader version to ensure it produces the same signals.

Learning MQL takes weeks or months, depending on your programming background, but it's a valuable skill if you plan to use MetaTrader long-term.

Using Professional Conversion Services

If you don't want to learn programming, hire a professional.

Several types of services are available:

• Platform conversion specialists. Developers who specifically focus on converting indicators and strategies between platforms. They understand both NinjaScript and MQL.
• Freelance developers. Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer have programmers who offer conversion services. Quality varies, so check reviews and portfolios.
• Vendor conversion services. Some indicator vendors, like Rize Capital, offer free conversion as part of their service. This ensures compatibility and proper functionality.
• When using a conversion service, provide:
• The source code. You need the actual .cs file from NinjaTrader, not just the compiled .dll file. Compiled files are much harder to convert.
• Clear documentation. Explain what the indicator does, what it plots, and how it should behave. Include screenshots if possible.
• Sample data. Provide chart screenshots showing the indicator on NinjaTrader so the developer can verify that the converted version matches.

Good conversion services will test the result and provide revisions if the initial conversion doesn't match the original perfectly.

MT4 vs MT5: Which Should You Target?

If you're converting to MetaTrader, decide whether you want MT4 or MT5.

• MetaTrader 4 is older but still the most popular, especially for forex traders. Most brokers support it. MQL4 is simpler to code in.
• MetaTrader 5 is newer with more features, better performance, and more asset classes. MQL5 is more powerful but more complex.

For indicator conversion:

• MT4 is easier if the indicator is relatively simple. MQL4's straightforward structure makes basic indicators quick to convert.
• MT5 is better for complex indicators with advanced features. It handles multi-timeframe analysis, object-oriented programming, and heavy calculations more efficiently.

If your broker supports both, MT5 is generally the better choice for future-proofing. But if you're part of a trading community that uses MT4, stick with that for compatibility.

Some conversion services offer conversion to both platforms, which gives you flexibility.

Common Challenges in Converting NinjaTrader to MetaTrader

Certain features are harder to convert than others.

• Order flow indicators. NinjaTrader has native support for order flow and volume data that MetaTrader doesn't have in the same way. These indicators might not convert at all without alternative data sources.
• Multi-timeframe logic. Both platforms support multi-timeframe indicators, but the implementation differs significantly. Expect heavy modification in this area.
• Drawing objects. Indicators that programmatically draw lines, arrows, or text on charts need complete rewriting. The drawing APIs are totally different.
• Advanced calculations. Complex mathematical functions might exist in C#'s standard library, but not in MQL. These need custom implementation.
• Real-time updates. How indicators update on tick-by-tick data differs between platforms. Behaviour might not match exactly, especially in fast markets.
• Performance. MQL and C# have different performance characteristics. An indicator that runs smoothly in NinjaTrader might need optimisation for MetaTrader.

A skilled converter will identify these issues upfront and explain what's possible versus what requires workarounds or compromises.

Testing Converted Indicators

• Always test converted indicators thoroughly before using them for live trading.
• Visual comparison. Apply both the original NinjaTrader indicator and the converted MetaTrader indicator to charts with the same data and timeframe. Do the plots match?
• Signal verification. If the indicator generates trading signals, verify that both versions produce signals at the same times and price levels.
• Edge cases. Test unusual market conditions—gaps, very low volume, extremely volatile periods. Make sure the indicator handles these correctly.
• Different timeframes. Test on multiple timeframes to ensure the indicator works consistently across different chart periods.
• Different instruments. If you trade multiple assets, test the indicator on each one to catch any instrument-specific issues.

Don't assume a converted indicator works correctly just because it compiles and displays something on the chart. Verify that it actually produces the same analysis as the original.

Rize Capital's Free Conversion Service

If you purchase NinjaTrader indicators from Rize Capital's source codes collection, you get free conversion to other platforms.

This includes MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 conversions at no additional cost.

Here's how it works:

• Purchase a NinjaTrader product. Buy any indicator, strategy, or drawing tool from Rize Capital's source codes section. You receive the full NinjaScript source code.
• Request conversion. Contact Rize Capital and request conversion to MetaTrader (specify MT4 or MT5).
• Receive converted code. They'll convert the indicator to MQL and provide you with the converted source code ready to compile and use in MetaTrader.

This service eliminates the cost barrier for traders who want to use the same tools across multiple platforms. You pay once and get the indicator on whatever platform you need.

It's particularly valuable if you're trading on multiple platforms or transitioning from one to another without losing access to your tools.

Alternatives to Conversion

Converting indicators isn't always necessary. Sometimes there are easier alternatives.

• Find equivalent indicators. Check if MetaTrader already has a similar indicator built in or available in the community. Many common technical analysis tools exist on both platforms.
• Use web-based tools. Some technical analysis can be done through websites or third-party charting platforms that work with data from multiple brokers.
• Recreate the logic manually. For simple indicators, it might be faster to just code a new one in MQL from scratch based on the concept rather than converting existing code.
• Use both platforms. Some traders run NinjaTrader and MetaTrader simultaneously, using each for what it does best. This avoids conversion entirely.

Evaluate whether conversion is truly necessary or if one of these alternatives serves your needs better.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Conversion

Before converting indicators, consider whether it's worth the effort or expense.

• For free or low-cost indicators, conversion might cost more than the original indicator. In this case, look for free MQL alternatives instead.
• For expensive premium indicators, conversion makes sense if it's free (like Rize Capital's service) or if the conversion cost is much less than buying a MetaTrader version separately.
• For custom-built indicators, conversion preserves your investment in custom development and allows you to use proprietary tools across platforms.
• For common indicators, skip conversion and just use MetaTrader's built-in version or find free alternatives.

Calculate the total cost, including your time if doing it yourself. Sometimes it's cheaper to just find or buy a MetaTrader version than to convert.

Final Thoughts

You can't connect NinjaTrader to MT4 or MT5 directly, but you can convert indicators by rewriting them in MQL.

The process requires translating C# NinjaScript code to MQL4 or MQL5. It's not automatic—it requires understanding both languages and carefully reimplementing the indicator's logic.

For free conversion, you can do it yourself if you learn MQL, or use Rize Capital's free conversion service for their products.

Professional conversion services are available but typically charge $50-500+, depending on complexity.

Before converting, check if MetaTrader already has equivalent indicators or if free alternatives exist. Conversion makes most sense for custom or premium indicators you can't easily replace.

If you've purchased indicators from Rize Capital's source codes collection, take advantage of their free conversion service to get MetaTrader versions at no extra cost.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not financial advice, investment advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any financial instrument. Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. Converted indicators should be thoroughly tested before use in live trading, as conversion may result in differences in functionality or performance. Rize Capital and the author of this article are not responsible for any trading losses you may incur.